Open plains seemed to unfold endlessly before them, golden under the fading sunlight of late afternoon. The wind blew dust, the distant hint of rivers, and rumors of civilization yet far ahead. The royal capital city framed itself in their minds, though not yet visible, a ray of hope and jeopardy.
Kael led, riding at the front with his eyes on the horizon. "The nearer we come, the more watchful we will need to be. Cities draw more than merchants—there are eyes everywhere, and not all of them friendly."
Azrak rode beside him, shoulders straightened now, burden of past deceptions lifting somewhat. "I'm prepared," he said softly. "To meet what lies before us. I owe you that much.
Lyrielle strolled alongside the horses, fingers dancing across her lute as a gentle melody paced their footsteps. Even while moving, her songs appeared to guard and calm, creating a soothing cloak about them.
Thargrim blinked toward a far ridge. "Rockfalls, ridges… and look there—activity amongst the crags. May be game… or danger."
As if answering his words, a small ambush awaited. A group of bandits, hiding along a narrow pass, attempted to strike from above, launching stones and arrows. The party reacted instantly.
Rina's claws ripped through the initial wave of ammunition, dispersing them with pulses of energy. Lyrielle's arrows immobilized the archers, while Thargrim brushed aside the path with powerful slashes. Kael and Azrak stood in tandem, slicing through the attack with deadly accuracy. The ambush was over in an instant; the pass stood silent once more.
Elira dropped her hands, her glow diminishing. "The further we travel, the more we realize danger is not found in woods or open roads. Danger lurks in every shadow—even outside."
The party continued on, the ridge morphing into rolling hills, rivers, and eventually, the first glimpses of distant spires of the capital. Smoke and chimney smoke wafted up into the air, a testament to life, industry, and political intrigue. Even at a distance, the city was alive with secrets.
Kael took a deep breath. "We're close," he warned. "But close does not always mean safe. Stay sharp. The capital is its own world—deadlier than any bandit or tame beast we've encountered."
Azrak nodded, his eyes mirrors of resolve. "Then we go in together."
As the sun went down, casting long shadows across the plains, the group established camp for the evening. Campfires crackled softly, their breeze-swept sounds bringing sounds of distant cities on the wind. They had weathered the road, forged bonds, and looked danger in the face together—but within the walls of the royal capital, trials would test not only their strength, but their faith, determination, and solidarity in ways the open road never could.
The journey to the city was finished, but what lay before them was a tale of shadows darker than any they had ever encountered.